IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant Enters Elite Club with MS Dhoni, Becomes Third Indian Wicketkeeper to Achieve This Test Milestone
In a moment of sheer brilliance on Day 3 of the first Test between India and England at Headingley, Rishabh Pant etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter became only the third Indian gloveman to reach the coveted milestone of 150 catches in Test cricket, joining the legendary MS Dhoni and Syed Kirmani in an elite club.
The landmark moment arrived when pacer Prasidh Krishna induced an edge from England’s Ollie Pope, and Pant, with his razor-sharp reflexes, completed a stunning catch behind the stumps. This catch took Pant’s tally to 151 catches in Test cricket, complemented by 15 stumpings, bringing his total dismissals to 166—the third-highest by an Indian wicketkeeper in the longest format. Only Syed Kirmani (160 catches) and MS Dhoni (256 catches) stand ahead of him, underlining the magnitude of Pant’s achievement at just 27 years old.
Pant’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of inspiring, especially considering his return from a life-threatening injury layoff. His comeback has been marked by grit and flair, and this Test match has been a testament to his indomitable spirit. On Day 2, Pant lit up Headingley with a breathtaking 134-run knock, registering his seventh Test century. The innings was punctuated by audacious strokeplay, including a jaw-dropping six off Shoaib Bashir over deep midwicket, struck with one hand on the bat—a signature Pant moment.
What made the century even more memorable was his celebration—a gravity-defying somersault that sent fans into a frenzy and quickly went viral on social media. Speaking to Cheteshwar Pujara on the broadcaster’s post-match show, Pant revealed the thought behind his unique celebration. “I had planned three different styles. One was the ‘let-the-bat-do-the-talking’ vibe, but then I thought, why not stick to something that’s me?” he chuckled, showcasing the infectious charisma that makes him a fan favorite.
Statistically, Pant’s numbers paint a picture of a match-winner. In just 34 Test matches, he has not only achieved this keeping milestone but also amassed over 2,400 runs at an average close to 44, including seven centuries and 11 fifties. His ability to turn games with both bat and gloves—often under pressure—has drawn comparisons to the great MS Dhoni, under whom Pant honed his craft early in his career.
As India battles England in this gripping five-match series, Pant’s dual impact has been a cornerstone of the team’s strategy. With the first Test poised on a knife-edge, his contributions could well define the outcome. Beyond the records, Pant’s fearless approach and unyielding passion continue to redefine the role of a wicketkeeper-batter in modern cricket, cementing his status as one of India’s most explosive talents and a true game-changer.
With every catch and every boundary, Rishabh Pant is not just adding to his tally but also building a legacy that inspires millions. As he stands shoulder-to-shoulder with legends like Dhoni and Kirmani, the question on every fan’s mind is: how many more records will this young maverick shatter before his journey ends?